They will roar. They will hurray hard. And they will proudly compete in the 66th Annual Innisfail Farmers/Farmerettes Bonspiel.
The annual classic will begin Saturday, Jan. 15 at the Innisfail Curling Club and conclude Friday, Jan. 20.
A total of 52 teams, representing 208 curlers from 32 men's and 20 women's teams, will flap the brooms in honour of businesses and farmers in the area.
"It is a total community event. The bonspiel is a token of appreciation of business and farmers. If it were not for that partnership between our business and rural community we wouldn't be able to thrive in central Alberta," said Barb Dixon, vice chair of the bonspiel committee. "This is a perfect opportunity to thank everybody."
Dixon added that the event, actually two bonspiels ñ one for the farmers and the other for farmerettes - 100 per cent sponsored by the business community.
"I would have to say pretty much every business in Innisfail is sponsoring this. That is well over 100 sponsors," she said.
Dixon estimated that more than $15,000 has been put forward by the business community for the prestigious local event.
As for the competing teams each one will have two farmers or farmerettes to complement business curlers.
At the end of the week there will be four winning farmers' teams and four top farmerette squads. The men's final draw will be on Friday evening while the women's will be held in late afternoon.
The winners will each be eligible to pick a prize, as will the next three top teams in each event bringing a total of 32 placings for the two bonspiels.
For the event wind up there will be a banquet, dance and an awards' ceremony at the Innisfail Legion.
It will be highlighted by Cash Crop Dollars. A grand prize of $2,000 in Cashbuck coupons will be awarded, with the winner able to spend his prize at local diamond and platinum business sponsors. There will also be three prizes of $500 in Cashbuck coupons, with the winner able to use at diamond and platinum business sponsors.
"It's another way to thank businesses who sponsor these events," said Dixon.
